CONCERT
Archie Shepp |
Written 30 January |
Wednesday 13 May, 20:00Duc Des Lombards, 75001 [map]Archie Shepp, Dave Burrell
Archie Shepp really began his career as a professional musician when
Cecil Taylor gave him an opportunity to join his group in 1960.
John Coltrane's appreciation of his artistry led to Shepp's recording contract with Impulse!. Throughout the 1960s he participated in a collective innovation which introduced a new set of possibilities for African American music. Known as either "Free Jazz" or "Avant-Garde Jazz" this music spoke to a generation not content with the status quo in terms of music and social equality. As a spokesperson for this new music Shepp proved to be intelligent, educated, forceful and controversial. Through it all, in his music, spoken and written words, and non-musical jobs, he was a forceful advocate for equality and justice.
Beginning in the 1970s Archie Shepp began to experiment with the various forms of his African American musical heritage. Mainstream jazz, traditional spirituals and blues, and original compositions were explored in settings ranging from duos to his
Attica Blues Big Band.
